Treach

Anthony Shawn Criss, known professionally as Treach, was born on December 2, 1970, in East Orange, New Jersey. He co-founded the hip-hop group Naughty by Nature, originally named New Style, in 1986 alongside high school friends Vin Rock and DJ Kay Gee. The group gained significant recognition with their self-titled album in 1991, which featured hit singles like “O.P.P.” and “Everything’s Gonna Be All Right,” leading the album to achieve platinum status. Their success continued with “19 Naughty III” in 1993, which also went platinum and included the megahit “Hip Hop Hooray.” In 1996, Naughty by Nature’s album “Poverty’s Paradise” earned them the Best Rap Album award at the 38th annual Grammy Awards. Treach’s musical career is marked by his distinctive rap style and the group’s consistent output of chart-topping hits.

Building on his musical fame, Treach transitioned into acting, making his debut in the 1992 film “Juice.” This acting role marked an expansion of his creative endeavors beyond music. Throughout the 1990s, he appeared in films such as “The Meteor Man” (1993) and “Jason’s Lyric” (1994). In the 2000s, Treach took on a leading role in “Love and a Bullet” (2002) and secured guest appearances in popular television series including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Person of Interest,” and “Blue Bloods.” His acting work has allowed him to portray a range of characters across various genres. He has also starred in touring stage plays, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

Treach’s career reflects a sustained presence in both the music and entertainment industries, characterized by achieving milestones in hip-hop and establishing himself as an actor. He continues to perform with Naughty by Nature, participating in tours such as the “I Love The 90s Tour,” and has recently been involved in projects like BET’s “The Family Business” and the stage play “New Jack City Live.” His trajectory showcases adaptation and continued engagement across different facets of entertainment.